What changes when a microwave pulls fumes from the front as well as the bottom?

Two intakes instead of one

An over-the-range microwave sits above the cooktop. Its job is to heat food and to pull steam, smoke, and grease out of the air. Most models use a single vent at the bottom. The new Samsung model adds a second vent on the front face. The front intake targets the front burners. The bottom intake covers the rest of the cooktop. Together they form what Samsung calls DualVent technology. The company says this arrangement captures up to 82 percent of cooking fumes. That number puts the microwave on par with standalone hoods from Samsung under the same test conditions. The form factor still saves space. The announcement does not say how many existing kitchens meet the installation guidelines without modification.

The 82 percent figure comes from a specific test

Chamber tests at the ICE&KS Pre-Development Lab on February 9, 2026 used a CO2 tracer method per LBNL 2020. The test compared two intakes and one exhaust against standalone hoods under identical conditions. Actual results may vary depending on individual use and circumstances. Performance varies with installation, duct type, cooking method, and environment. DualVent requires installation per guidelines.

Front blades that open and close themselves

Extra vents often need to be pushed or pulled by hand. This one does not. A single tap on the LED-lit control menu activates the system. Newly designed front blades open seamlessly to support dual-intake performance. When ventilation is turned off, the blades close automatically. No manual flipping or pushing is required. The ventilation fan will operate automatically for safety if the temperature at the bottom of the product is high. This function takes precedence over Auto Connectivity. The announcement does not specify the temperature threshold that triggers this override.

Linking the microwave to the cooktop

Auto Connectivity wirelessly aligns the status of the microwave with compatible Samsung cooktops or range ovens. Each appliance must be connected to a Wi-Fi network and registered in the Samsung SmartThings app. With the feature active, one-touch controls can turn both the cooktop and the microwave on and off simultaneously. The feature is only available when used in combination with certain Samsung cooktops or range ovens that have Wi-Fi connectivity. The announcement does not list which models qualify. Hyoung Min Park is VP and Head of Customer Experience Team of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. He said the product brings powerful ventilation and convenient cooking features into one practical form factor.

What the announcement does not promise

A fingerprint resistant finish helps maintain the microwave's clean appearance. The announcement does not mention price. It does not mention warranty terms. It does not say whether the 82 percent capture rate holds over months of grease buildup on the front blades.